November 11 is set aside as Veterans Day to honor the brave men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. My life has been touched in many ways because of their service.
My dad and three of his brothers served in the U.S. Navy. My aunt was a military nurse. All of them lived to come home, my Uncle Ed earning a Purple Heart for the serious injuries he received in combat.
My dad would sometimes look through his military photo albums, but he never talked about those days, the emotional wounds too deep for words, the mental images too painful to remember.
I feel a deep sense of pride whenever I look at the pictures of them in their uniforms, an overwhelming gratitude that they loved their country enough to serve.
I’m moved to tears by the thought that the freedoms my cousins and I enjoy today were paid for through their sacrifice, and through the sacrifice of thousands of other men and women just like them.
I imagine that many of you who’ve had family members who served probably feel the same way.
So, today, on behalf of all of us, I’d like to give our thanks to all of the courageous men and women who made it through the rigors of boot camp, who proudly wore a uniform, who left behind the loved ones who were precious to them, who put their lives on the line for country and family.
Because of you, we can go to bed at night and sleep peacefully. Because of you, we can wake up each morning as free Americans. Because of you, we can enjoy the beautiful sight of the American flag waving proudly in the wind.
Thank you for your service. We honor you today.
Pray this with me:
Dear Father,
Please be with our men and women in uniform today. Put a hedge of protection around them as they fight for us. Provide courage, comfort, and strength for the days ahead. Bless the families and loved ones they leave at home. And help us to never forget that freedom isn’t free—that it’s been paid for at great price. Amen.
